The all-new 2007 Honda Fit, a subcompact five-door hatchback set to go on sale in the U.S. in April, made its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Already one of Honda’s hottest selling models in Asia and Europe, the Fit is designed to enter the U.S. market as leader in the subcompact segment with top-of-class feature content, refinement, interior functionality, sporty driving demeanor and high levels of standard safety equipment.
Built on Honda’s legendary foundation for dependability, quality and reliability, the Fit is a premium entry-level vehicle that emphasizes style, technology and value. The Fit features a 109 horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine, a five-speed manual transmission or an available, first in segment, 5-speed automatic transmission, and more than 90 cubic feet of passenger volume with multiple seating and cargo configurations. A Fit Sport model offers wheel-mounted paddle shifters (with automatic transmission) and a 160-watt, six-speaker audio system. Fit will be supported by a wide variety of Honda Genuine Accessories, including segment exclusive Honda Apple iPod Music Link, allowing owners to personalize their Fits inside and out.
The 1.5-liter, SOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder VTEC engine generates 109 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 105 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. The compact and efficient powerplant features Honda’s innovative Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC). The VTEC system’s ability to provide highly efficient operation at low engine speeds and extended performance at high engine speeds benefits fuel economy, power and low emissions.
Refinement is further enhanced with electronic drive-by-wire throttle control, which provides quick throttle response, smooth automatic transmission shifts (on automatic transmission models) and precise fuel delivery to the engine. Friction-reducing technologies include roller bearing tipped rocker arms, a low friction timing chain tensioner, molydebenum coated piston skirts and an offset crankshaft/connecting rod design.
The suspension setup for the Fit is a combination of a front MacPherson strut/rear torsion beam with trailing arm.
The compact front suspension and rear torsion beam were both designed to allow for a large passenger cabin with a low floor to maximize the cargo carrying capacity.
Fit employs a compact, efficient and highly responsive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that also contributes to higher fuel economy since engine power is not needed to operate a hydraulic system. The wheel size measures 14-inches with P175/65R14 tires, and 16-inch wheels with P205/45R16 are available as a dealer-installed option.
Estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 33/38 miles per gallon is expected to be among the highest ratings in the subcompact five-door hatchback class. Emissions levels are rated as Low Emissions Vehicle 2 (LEV-2) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Tier 2/Bin 5 by the Federal government.
A consumer preview website for the Fit is available at fit.honda.com.